Reflections

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Women, similarly, should be dignified, not slanderers, but temperate and faithful in everything.
(1 Timothy 3:11)

This is probably written about deaconesses, Lord, but shouldn’t we all hold ourselves to this standard? You created me in your image; that is reason enough. You gave me a feminine nature, the physical and emotional ability to mother and nurture, and with it the strength to endure pain and sorrow. You chose the mother of your Son, a strong, gentle woman, to be a model for us. In simplicity, she gave herself to your will. In charity, she set aside her need to ponder her situation in order to be with Elizabeth until the birth of John the Baptist. Without nagging, she scolded her Son for getting “lost” in the temple and urged him to help at the wedding feast. In silent grief, she stood beneath the cross. Graciously, she accepted us all as her children. Tenderly, she cradled the limp body as she had cradled the Infant in Bethlehem. When she spoke, she had reason. Never did she complain or speak ill of another.

When I am tempted to listen to gossip, let me turn to Mary. Let me be temperate – tempered, tamed — not ruled by emotions or pride. Make me worthy of your gifts.

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